Amphibians for all ages: 'Year with Frog and Toad' slated at U of S, Scranton Cultural Center

'AYear with Frog and Toad" brings to life beloved children's stories with animated dancing and catchy songs, creating a musical-theater experience for kids to remember.

Really though, pointed out some of those involved in the University of Scranton Players' upcoming production, the show about the devoted friendship between two creatures appeals to all ages.

"The music, it doesn't dumb it down for the kids," said Claxton Rabb, the 18-year-old freshman portraying Toad. "It's like on, you know, one level where everyone can understand it. Older people, younger people, their parents. And it's a genuine story that I think everyone would really love."

Starting next week, the university will present six performances of "A Year with Frog and Toad" on campus in the Joseph M. McDade Center for Performing and Literary Arts plus three more performances at Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple for The Times-Tribune Lunchbox Series.

Journey of best friends

Based on the stories by Arnold Lobel, the musical follows friends Frog and Toad from when they wake in the spring through Christmas.

"It's all their adventures through there," director Bob E. Gasper said. "They go swimming, they fly kites, they bake cookies. They're just besties, and they can't get enough of each other."

Despite being new to the university stage - the show is Mr. Rabb's first there - the East Orange, N.J., native found a familiar face in the actor playing Frog, 20-year-old sophomore Peter Alexander, of Linden, N.J. The two attended the same high school.

"It's a weird coincidence," Mr. Rabb said.

Mr. Alexander had read the Frog and Toad stories as a child and even saw the musical, and he enjoys participating in children's theater "more than anything." The combination of a "great show and great director" made participating in the musical an opportunity he said he could not turn down.

Mr. Gasper noted how the two leads have great chemistry together and have jumped right into the production.

"This show has been just pure joy working with the cast," he said. "They've been so great."

Shared with community

Ahead of opening night, the cast has performed for children in the community at schools and libraries.

"The response from the kids, they're so enthusiastic," Mr. Alexander said. "They just love it so much. It's great to go there and just see them and get them involved. That's what I love about it, is their enthusiasm."

The music accompanying the show also provides more depth to the story, especially for children, Mr. Rabb said.

"It helps them understand the story better," he said.

"A Year with Frog and Toad" includes values of friendship and accepting people for who they are, Mr. Alexander said, and that is what theater is all about. The musical is "a great show for them to enjoy but also get something out of," he added.

Mr. Alexander and Mr. Gasper both described how the show is more than "fluff."

"It's not just disposable," Mr. Gasper said. "It's really meaningful. ... And it's such a small, simple sample of a great, great, all-encompassing friendship and how it has no bounds. And the two (leads) are terrific. It's really been fun to watch."

Contact the writer: cheaney@timesshamrock.com

If you go

What: University of Scranton Players present "A Year with Frog and Toad"

When and where: April 27-28, May 4-5, 8 p.m.; April 29 and May 6, 2 p.m., McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts, University of Scranton; and May 1, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and May 2, 10 a.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.

On campus: Tickets are $8 for general admission and $5 for university students, staff and faculty; senior citizens and children 12 and younger. They are available by calling 941-4318 or at the box office.

At the Cultural Center: Tickets for the The Times-Tribune Lunchbox Series are $7 for children for the 10 a.m. shows and $7 for children and $13 for adults for the 6 p.m. show. They are available by calling 800-745-3000, at the box office or online at Ticketmaster.com.

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